iPod

[NigeD]

iPhone

Just a query over the iPhone as a distance measuring device. I know the official line, because there is a compass and it can be used to measure wind direction, but is this really the case. I am only using the distance measuring device app so does this count. Cheers.

 

[chrisd]

Re: iPhone

If it has a compass or wind meter then it's illegal whether or not you switch them off

 

[Phil2511]

Re: iPhone

If it has a compass or wind meter then it's illegal whether or not you switch them off

What Chris said, Ok to use in practice rounds but not allowed in competitions.

 

[pbrown7582]

Re: iPhone

Does your iPod work on the course I thought the gps signal needed Internet aid to?
Still a no no from comp point of view as stated.

 

[beggsy]

Re: iPhone

Same thing if it can download apps its illegal

 

[Pants]

Re: iPhone

I know the official line, because there is a compass and it can be used to measure wind direction, but is this really the case. I am only using the distance measuring device app so does this count.

Nige, old chap. You are obviously fairly new to the forum and probably haven't searched on this query before posting, so I'll be gentle with you. Do a search.

Yeh. Most on here know the "official line", as you do and, like you, want to argue it/ignore it/think that it's a load of rubbish that doesn't apply to them.

At the moment it is a rule of golf. It's up to you if you want to use it in friendly games although your fellow golfers might have a word or two to say. In comps, it's a definite no-no.

 

[garyinderry]

Re: iPhone

getting rid of that compass rule sould be the next thing on the agenda! stupid rule!

 

[duncan mackie]

Re: iPhone

getting rid of that compass rule sould be the next thing on the agenda! stupid rule!

but then it would be non-conforming for the built in thermometer.....or tilt sensor.......

 

[garyinderry]

Re: iPhone

but then it would be non-conforming for the built in thermometer.....or tilt sensor.......

tack them on the compass bill !! more rubbish !

 

[SaintHacker]

Re: iPhone

Call me a cynic but I think this rule has more to do with the likes of Garmin and Bushnell than it does the R+A. Its not exactly in their interests to have people being able to use free smartphone apps over a £300 gps unit...

 

[duncan mackie]

Re: iPhone

Call me a cynic but I think this rule has more to do with the likes of Garmin and Bushnell than it does the R+A. Its not exactly in their interests to have people being able to use free smartphone apps over a £300 gps unit...

I used to be of this view but am now comfortable that it's really about the capability to combine distance data with slope, temperature, wind, and other external factors to deliver 'the answer' - and it's at this point that I think the ruling bodies and Swingsitlikehogan come together and say no; pulling all that info together into you shot making is a fundamental part of the game and requires protecting.

 

[CMAC]

Re: iPhone

I'm pretty confident that even if I had a 'head up display' on my glasses showing a 3D topographical view of each hole combined with wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometer readings, exact distance to flag and my ideal club selection I'd still have a thin/shank/fade/draw/duff or perfect shot.
In other words distance is all any of us really need to be given, the rest you can get from the iHuman

 

[NigeD]

Re: iPhone

Call me a cynic too. Probably about right about manufacturers not wanting people using free smartphone apps but rules is rules. It's alright saying you're not going to use the other applications, the same as you're only allowed 14 clubs, I'll take 15 but won't use one.
Anyway, got a birthday coming up so will have a word with she that will be obeyed and get legal.
Thanks for the replies gents, Nige.

 

[cookelad]

Re: iPhone

Can someone explain the compass thing to me? At no point during my 18 years on the golf course have I ever thought "how much more difficult this shot feels because I have no idea on what baring I'm hitting on!"

 

[duncan mackie]

Re: iPhone

probably easiest to answer with the wording of the decision making it clear you can't use them -

"A player uses a compass during a round to assist him in determining wind direction or the direction of the grain in the greens or for some other similar reason. Is the player in breach of Rule 14-3?"

There are a lot of things that would be considered assistance contrary to 14-3 that most people wouldn't even think of (in more than 18 years on the course) - a possible example would be making markings on the side of a scorecard to hold up at arms length and read off distance by comparing to the flagstick height ....

 

[bobmac]

Re: iPhone

A player uses a compass during a round to assist him in determining wind direction or the direction of the grain in the greens or for some other similar reason. Is the player in breach of Rule 14-3?"

And if your yardage chart has a compass on each page, dont look at it.

 

[garyinderry]

Re: iPhone

i was thinking off marking a card one day with the directiom of the grain for each of the 18 greens. i never got around to it. this wouldnt be against the rules would it?

 

[duncan mackie]

Re: iPhone

i was thinking off marking a card one day with the directiom of the grain for each of the 18 greens. i never got around to it. this wouldnt be against the rules would it?

no

you can develop a full blown 3d map of your greens if you like, and carry it with you on the course.

and Bob well knows that course planner data, including a compass rose is fine

these are all static reference data that require you to interpolate where you, and your ball, are and to work out what it all means!

 

[MashieNiblick]

Re: iPhone

I guess in relation to a general rule banning "artificial devices" (stuff like plumb-lines, spirit levels, windsocks, ball warmers, rangefinders, etc.) it's not hard to see why a compass would be regarded as an "artificial device". It might only give a marginal advantage in very limited circumstances but that is enough to justify a ban on the basis, I assume, that the Rule makers consider that making unaided judgements about the course and weather conditions is an intrinsic part of the game.

However in my view binoculars are also self evidently an "artificial device" and could help assessing the location of hazards or the position of the flag but Decision 14-3/3 Eyeglasses and Binoculars, says these are Ok so long as they don't have any rangefinder attachments.

 

[duncan mackie]

Re: iPhone

However in my view binoculars are also self evidently an "artificial device" and could help assessing the location of hazards or the position of the flag but Decision 14-3/3 Eyeglasses and Binoculars, says these are Ok so long as they don't have any rangefinder attachments.

the position of the hazards and the flag are matters of fact and you are even allowed to ask anyone (who might know, including FC's) where they are at any time.